When a person decides to stop using substances they had been using for a long time, they may want to take into consideration the dangers of rapid detox. The body has built a dependence on the substance the addict has been using making it dangerous to just stop using. Medical supervision and monitoring of the body systems is imperative while detoxing. If an addict impulsively decides to stop using without the help of professionals, they may run into a variety of physical and mental consequences. This could cause the addict to give up and turn back to using. It’s important to work with professionals who are trained with detoxification methods to understand the detox process. In short, a sound and professional treatment plan begins with a detox program that is safe and medically monitored.
What is Detox?
Detox is the process of withdrawing the addictive substance from the body and mind of the addicted. The side effects of withdrawal can be dangerous and severe, depending upon the intensity of addiction and the substance being used. In fact, a medical doctor needs to assess the condition of the addict thoroughly and determine a plan for safe detox. Symptoms of withdrawal can be unpleasant and difficult to endure. Therefore, always consider the dangers of rapid detox before attempting to detox. After detox, a treatment plan must start to achieve success in recovery.
Detox Withdrawal Symptoms
With all detoxification from addictive substances, addicts experience withdrawal symptoms. The body and mind have grown dependent on the substance and must undergo a process of eliminating harmful toxins from the body. However, the side effects of withdrawal can be so severe that medications have to be administered to eliminate the most uncomfortable symptoms. In short, the dangers of rapid detox must be considered with any detox program.
Support for the addict is imperative. The difficulty in experiencing withdrawal symptoms have been known to be responsible for relapse of the detoxing alcoholic. The dangers of rapid detox can be extreme, and the professionally trained detox team is aware. For those experiencing alcohol withdrawal, the following symptoms could occur within eight hours of the last drink and last for several weeks.
Mild to severe withdrawal symptoms occurring during alcohol detox can include:
- Anxiety
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Tremor
- Heart Palpitations
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Hypothermia – an elevated body temp
- Sweating
- Tachycardia
- Increased systolic blood pressure
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Confusion
- Fever
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
Mild to severe withdrawal symptoms for opioid/drug/heroin addiction can include:
- Changes in appetite/mood and sleeping habits
- Chills and shivering
- Congestion or runny nose
- Depression and fatigue
- Restlessness and shakiness
- Muscle pain
- Irritability
- Vomiting
- Tremors and sweating
- Nausea
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Delirium
What is Rapid Detox?
The process of rapid detox began in the 1980s to assist with detox in opioid-addicted individuals. The hope to eliminate the physical side effects of withdrawal led to the creation of the risky process, which sedated the patient under general anesthesia, administered medications to force the withdrawal process, and discharged the patient within 48 hours. The medical community sold this process as the fastest way to achieve detox. However, the bottom line is the dangers of rapid detox outweigh the advantages.
The Dangers of Rapid Detox
While some treatment centers use an accelerated detox or rapid detox program, most medical professionals do not recommended it. After all, the dangers of rapid detox can be as severe as death. Rapid detox fails to address the mental health of the addict, and so the reasons as to why the addict grew addicted are never addressed. Another concern of this process is the use of general anesthesia while ridding the body of the abused substance.
The dangers of rapid detox can include:
- Heart attack
- Suicidal thoughts
- Aspiration pneumonia
- Relapse
- Enlarged heart
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Death
Benefits of Medically Supervised Detox
Reviewing the dangers of rapid detox and quitting cold turkey, those in early recovery must consider medically supervised detox. Medically supervised detoxification is a great first step in professional treatment. Round-the-clock management of withdrawal symptoms by an experienced staff is the safest and most beneficial method of detox. It is important for the addict to have support and understanding during this time.
Medically supervised detox is a positive starting point for further treatment. This includes participation in support groups, therapy, and life skills training. Investigating the reasons behind the addiction should continue past detox, but support from peers who have experienced the same addiction issues builds confidence. Realizing the dangers of rapid detox, be assured that a treatment program beginning with medically supervised detox is a positive step in recovery.
For More Information on the Dangers of Rapid Detox in West Tennessee
Those struggling with addiction and are in Tennessee are welcome should enter detox now. We have medically assisted detox programs at Detox West Tennessee. One of our detox professionals can avoid the dangers of rapid detox and help in setting up an assessment for your individual needs. Contact us through our admissions page or click the Get Help Now button to send us a message. After all, we understand the anxiety and pressure you are feeling, we are here to help you help yourself.